Winemaker Notes
The Kaiken Mai 2016 is a Malbec that surprises with deep red color with attractive violet tones. The nose presents aromas of fruits such as plum with notes of spices such as tobacco and cinnamon, both from the grapes and the French oak barrels. This wine stands out for its elegance, concentration and complexity, with soft tannins and great persistence on the palate. It can be enjoyed right away or stored and enjoyed in a few years' time; given its great structure and volume, its aging potential exceeds 15 years.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a really fine and polished malbec with crushed stones and blackberries. Full-bodied, yet reserved and beautiful. Seamless tannins and drive. It goes on for minutes. One of the best ever from here. Drinkable now, but will reward the patient. Try after 2023.
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Wine Enthusiast
Bold black-fruit aromas are slightly reduced and tarry at first, but with airing alluring herbal notes and complexity take over. While this is fully ripe and full in body and color, it's lively in feel. Toasty, almost charred oak goes toe to toe with deep black-fruit flavors. All of this is backed by a smoky, chocolaty finish. A huge success for a 2016, a year marred by rain. Drink through 2030.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.